The cannabinoids mechanism of action: an overview / Mecanismo de ação dos canabinoides: visão geral

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The discovery of the psychoactive agent of Cannabis sativa (tetrahydrocannabinol - THC) in the second half of the 20th century originated the research that later came to identify dozens of other substances from this plant, including cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids. Ensuing description of their interaction sites in animals and humans, together with endogenous ligands, transport proteins as well as synthesis and degradation enzymes, revealed what came to be known as the endocannabinoid system. Several receptors participate in this system. CONTENTS: The first receptors to be discovered were called CB1 and CB2, both are G protein-coupled (GPCR). It is noteworthy that CB1 receptors are among the most abundant and widely distributed GPCR in the mammalian brain, with marked expression in basal ganglia, cerebellum and hippocampus, for instance; on the other hand, they are scarce in areas of the brainstem related to breathing control. In light of the multiplicity of pharmacological effects of cannabinoids, concomitant with the lack of more clarifying studies on their mechanisms of action despite the great interest in research on their therapeutic application, it is necessary to deepen the knowledge in this area. CONCLUSION: Considering the literature research conducted for the composition of this article, it is possible to conclude that cannabinoids have a broad spectrum of action mechanisms in the human body, and that more robust clinical studies are needed to better understand their broad therapeutic potential.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A descoberta do princípio psicoativo da Cannabis sativa (tetrahidrocanabinol - THC) na segunda metade do século XX inaugurou pesquisas que posteriormente vieram a identificar dezenas de outras substâncias a partir dessa planta, incluindo canabinoides, terpenos e flavonoides. A subsequente descrição dos sítios de interação dessas substâncias em animais e humanos, assim como seus ligantes endógenos, proteínas de transporte e enzimas de síntese e degradação, revelou o que veio a ser conhecido como sistema endocanabinoide. Diversos receptores participam deste sistema. CONTEÚDO: Os primeiros receptores a serem descobertos foram denominados CB1 e CB2, ambos são acoplados à proteína G (GPCR). É importante ressaltar que os receptores CB1 estão entre os GPCRs mais abundantes e amplamente distribuídos do encéfalo de mamíferos, com marcada expressão, por exemplo, em gânglios da base, cerebelo e hipocampo; em contrapartida, são escassos em áreas do tronco cerebral relacionadas ao controle da respiração. Diante da multiplicidade de efeitos farmacológicos dos canabinoides, concomitante à falta de estudos mais esclarecedores sobre seus mecanismos de ação apesar do grande interesse na pesquisa de sua aplicação terapêutica, é preciso aprofundar o conhecimento nessa área. CONCLUSÃO: Considerando as pesquisas bibliográficas realizadas para a composição deste artigo, é possível concluir que os canabinoides possuem um amplo espectro de mecanismos de ação no organismo humano, e que mais estudos clínicos robustos são necessários para que seja possível entender melhor o seu amplo potencial terapêutico.

Effect of endocannabinoid system on senile osteoporosis / 中华骨科杂志

Osteoporosis is a common disease of old age that affects millions of people worldwide. Besides, it has been a chronic disease difficult to treat in the elderly, so it is of great significance to develop new drugs for the treatment of senile osteoporosis. The endocannabinoid system contains cannabinoid ligands, endocannabinoid receptors, and enzymes required for the synthesis and degradation of endocannabinoids, which play an important role in bone metabolism. Preclinical studies using endocannabinoid system-based therapies in animal models and in vitro have shown that endocannabinoid systems can prevent senile osteoporosis and highlight their therapeutic potential for senile osteoporosis. In this paper, PubMed, ScienceDirect, CNKY, and Wanfang databases were searched for articles related to the endocannabinoid system and osteoporosis. This paper analyzed the pathogenesis of senile osteoporosis (such as calcium, active vitamin D3 deficiency or insufficiency, sex hormone deficiency, cell function decline and secondary to chronic diseases, etc.), and reviewed the various components of the endocannabinoid system and their application in osteoporosis by regulating bone homeostasis in recent years, providing a new direction for the clinical treatment of senile osteoporosis.

Activation of Cannabinoid Receptor 1 in GABAergic Neurons in the Rostral Anterior Insular Cortex Contributes to the Analgesia Following Common Peroneal Nerve Ligation / 神经科学通报·英文版

The rostral agranular insular cortex (RAIC) has been associated with pain modulation. Although the endogenous cannabinoid system (eCB) has been shown to regulate chronic pain, the roles of eCBs in the RAIC remain elusive under the neuropathic pain state. Neuropathic pain was induced in C57BL/6 mice by common peroneal nerve (CPN) ligation. The roles of the eCB were tested in the RAIC of ligated CPN C57BL/6J mice, glutamatergic, or GABAergic neuron cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) knockdown mice with the whole-cell patch-clamp and pain behavioral methods. The E/I ratio (amplitude ratio between mEPSCs and mIPSCs) was significantly increased in layer V pyramidal neurons of the RAIC in CPN-ligated mice. Depolarization-induced suppression of inhibition but not depolarization-induced suppression of excitation in RAIC layer V pyramidal neurons were significantly increased in CPN-ligated mice. The analgesic effect of ACEA (a CB1R agonist) was alleviated along with bilateral dorsolateral funiculus lesions, with the administration of AM251 (a CB1R antagonist), and in CB1R knockdown mice in GABAergic neurons, but not glutamatergic neurons of the RAIC. Our results suggest that CB1R activation reinforces the function of the descending pain inhibitory pathway via reducing the inhibition of glutamatergic layer V neurons by GABAergic neurons in the RAIC to induce an analgesic effect in neuropathic pain.

Akkermansia Muciniphila Alleviates Visceral Hypersensitivity in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Rats via Regulating CB2R / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Akkermansia muciniphila （A. muciniphila） regulating the visceral hypersensitivity in irritable bowel syndrome （IBS） rats induced by neonatal maternal separation （MS） and water avoidance stress （WAS）. MethodsNeonatal male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham WAS group （blank group）， MS+WAS group （IBS model group） and A. muciniphila group. IBS model was established by MS combined with WAS in both IBS model group and A. muciniphila group. Meanwhile， the rats in the A. muciniphila group were given 1 mL 1×109 CFU/mL A. muciniphila by gavage daily for 10 days. Visceral pain responses were detected by behavioral observations and abdominal withdrawal reflex scores. ResultsCompared with IBS model group， A. muciniphila group exhibited significant increase of body weight and visceral pain threshold， significantly decreased numbers of fecal particles and proportions of unformed stools， significantly higher expression levels of cannabinoid receptor type 2 （CB2R） mRNA in colon tissues. ConclusionA. muciniphila may alleviate the visceral hypersensitivity in IBS rats by regulating the expression of CB2R mRNA in colonic tissues.

Immune challenges upregulate the expression of cannabinoid receptors in cultured human odontoblasts and gingival fibroblasts / Los desafíos inmunológicos regulan la expresión de los receptores cannabinoides en cultivos de odontoblastos y fibroblastos gingivales humanos

ABSTRACT Odontoblasts and gingival fibroblasts play essential roles in the physiological and pathological processes of dental tissue. Cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) are involved in analgesia by modulating the función of calcium channels that inhibit the synthesis of some neurotransmitters. A better understanding of the physiology of these receptors would provide the possibility of using them as therapeutic targets in controlling dental pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence and activity of cannabinoid receptors in human odontoblast-like cells (OLC) and human gingival fibroblasts (HGF). CB1 and CB2 transcription was analyzed by real-time PCR, proteins were detected by immunofluorescence, and functional cannabinoid receptors were evaluated by measuring intracellular calcium concentration after stimulation with cannabidiol (CBD) and pre-treatment with a CB1 antagonist, a CB2 inverse agonist and a TRPV1 antagonist. Transcripts for CB1 and CB2 were found in both odontoblasts and gingival fibroblasts. Cannabidiol induced an increase in [Ca2+]i in both cells types, but surprisingly, pre-treatment with selective cannabinoid antagonists attenuated this effect, suggesting a functional communication between specific cannabinoid receptors and other CBD target receptors. In conclusion, human odontoblasts and gingival fibroblasts express functional CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, which could be modulated to improve the treatment of pain or dental sensitivity.

RESUMEN Los odontoblastos y los fibroblastos gingivales desempeñan funciones esenciales en los procesos fisiológicos y patológicos de los tejidos dentales. Los receptores cannabinoides (CB1 y CB2) participan en la analgesia mediante la modulación de la función de canales de calcio que inhiben la síntesis de algunos neurotransmisores. Un mejor conocimiento de su fisiología abre la posibilidad de utilizar estos receptores como dianas terapéuticas en el control del dolor dental. Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo evaluar la presencia y la actividad de los receptores cannabinoides en células humanas similares a los odontoblastos (OLC) y en fibroblastos gingivales humanos (HGF). Se analizó la transcripción de CB1 y CB2 por PCR en tiempo real, la detección de las proteínas por inmunofluorescencia y se evaluaron los receptores cannabinoides funcionales midiendo las concentraciones de calcio intracelular, tras la estimulación con cannabidiol (CBD) y el pretratamiento con un antagonista de CB1, un agonista inverso de CB2 y un antagonista de TRPV1. Se encontraron mensajeros para CB1 y CB2 tanto en odontoblastos como en fibroblastos gingivales. El cannabidiol indujo un aumento de la [Ca2+]i en ambos tipos de células, pero sorprendentemente el pretratamiento con antagonistas cannabinoides selectivos atenuó este efecto, lo que sugiere una comunicación funcional entre receptores cannabinoides específicos y otros receptores diana del CBD. En conclusión, los odontoblastos humanos y los fibroblastos gingivales expresan receptores cannabinoides CB1 y CB2 funcionales, que podrían ser modulados para mejorar el tratamiento del dolor o la sensibilidad dental.

Neurobiological mechanisms in the regulation of conditioned fear memory by the retrieval-extinction paradigm / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Fear memories are temporarily suppressed after repeated retrieval, a phenomenon known as memory extinction.How to reduce or even eliminate fear memory is the key to the treatment of fear related diseases such as post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD). A single extinction training based on Pavlov's fear regulation task could only inhibit the expression of conditioned fear memory traces, but it could not eliminate the acquired conditioned fear memory. However, according to the reconsolidation theory based on memory, the retrieval-extinction paradigm has a more lasting effect on the erasure and rewriting of fear memory, and can effectively prevent the return of fear memory. Studies have shown that extraction-regression is closely related to a variety of neurotransmitter receptors such as glutamate receptor(GluR), dopamine receptor(DAR), L-type voltage-gated calcium channels(LVGCs) and cannabinoid. Moreover, its effect is closely related with factors such as retrieval-extinction memory stage. At present, most of the researches on extracted boundary conditions only stay at the level of behavior, with little understanding and exploration on the level of molecular mechanism. From the perspective of molecular neurobiology, with different stages of memory and different types of receptors and molecular mechanisms, this research reviewed the mechanisms of retrieval-extinction in recent years.It provided valuable signaling pathways, molecular targets and research directions for the treatment of fear-related diseases such as PTSD.

Research progress on natural cannabinoid receptor type 2( CB2R)regulators and their effects on bone metabolism / 中国中药杂志

Cannabinoid receptor type 2( CB2 R),a member of the G protein-coupled receptor( GPCR) superfamily,has a variety of biological activities,such as regulating pain response,resisting inflammation and fibrosis,and mediating bone metabolism. Some CB2 R regulators exhibit a good regulatory effect on bone metabolism. Cannabinoids in Cannabis sativa can cause psychoactive effects despite various pharmacological actions they exerted by targeting CB2 R. Therefore,it is of great significance to discover CB2 R regulators in non-Cannabis plants for finding new lead compounds without psychoactive effects and elucidating the action mechanism of plant drugs. The present study clarifies the discovery,structure,and physiological functions of CB2 R,especially its regulatory effects on bone metabolism,summarized CB2 R regulators extracted from non-Cannabis plants,and systematically analyzes the regulatory effects of CB2 R regulators on bone metabolism in animals,osteoblasts,and osteoclasts,to provide a scientific basis for the discovery of new CB2 R regulators and the development of anti-osteoporotic drugs.

Cannabinoid CB2 receptors and spinal microglia are implicated in tingenone-mediated antinociception in mice

Objective:To investigate the antinociceptive effect of tingenone on inflammatory pain, as well as and the involvement of the cannabinoid receptors type 2 (CB2) and spinal microglia in this process. Methods:Male Swiss mice were subjected to inflammatory pain induced by intraplantar injection of carrageenan. The nociceptive threshold was measured by von Frey filaments test. Tingenone was administered orally 60 min before carrageenan injection. To evaluate the involvement of CB2 receptor, endocannabinoids, and microglia, AM630 (a CB2 receptor antagonist), MAFP (an inhibitor of an enzyme that hydrolyses endocannabinoids), and minocycline (a microglial inhibitor) were given intrathecally 20 min before tingenone administration. In addition, an immunofluorescence assay was used to evaluate CB2 receptor and CD11B (a microglial marker) expression in the spinal cord dorsal horn. Results:Tingenone significantly reduced carrageenan-induced hyperalgesia, which was reversed by pretreatment with AM630. MAFP and minocycline potentiated and prolonged the tingenone-induced antinociception. CD11B expression was increased in the spinal cord dorsal horn of mice with inflammatory pain pretreated with tingenone, which was reduced by AM630, MAFP, and minocycline. Conclusions:CB2 receptors and endocannabinoids participate in the tingenone-induced antinociception which may involve the inhibition of microglia at spinal level.

Cannabinoid CB2 receptors protect against ulcerative colitis by regulating macrophage polarization in mice / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

Objective: To investigate the immunological mechanism of cannabinoid receptor CB2 in ulcerative colitis (UC) by regulating macrophage polarization so as to provide new ideas for the development of new drugs and treatment of the disease. Methods: Human UC specimens were immunohistochemically stained with macrophage mark CD68. Male ICR mice were made into ulcerative colitis model by dextran sulfate sodium DSS. After treatment with CB2 receptor agonist JWH133, the weight of the mice and the inflammatory activity indexes (DAI) (diarrhea and bloody stool) of UC were recorded, and the intestinal tissues were collected. The degree of inflammation and polarity of macrophages of intestinal tract were analyzed with HE staining and Real-time PCR. Peripheral blood-derived macrophages (PBMs) were cultured in vitro and induced into M1 and M2 macrophages by LPS and IL-4, respectively. After intervention with JWH133, the polarity of macrophages was measured by Real-time PCR. Results: There were a large number of macrophages in the colonic tissues of UC patients. JWH133 transformed the polarity of macrophages from M1 to M2 in UC mice, improved the weight loss and DAI of mice, and significantly decreased the degree of intestinal inflammation. In vitro, JWH133 decreased the level of M1-PBM markers (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-12) and elevated Arg1, Mrc2 and Mgl1 of M2-PBM. Conclusion :CB2 receptor can improve UC by regulating macrophage transformation to M2 type.

Cannabinoid type 2 receptor alleviates hyperalgesia in neuropathic pain mice by inhibiting spinal microglia activation / 第二军医大学学报

Objective To investigate the effects of spinal cannabinoid type 2 receptor (CB2R) and microglia activation on hyperalgesia in neuropathic pain mice. Methods Male C57/BL mice were randomly divided into six groups: sham, spinal nerve ligation (SNL), SNL＋CB2R agonist AM1241 (SNL＋AM1241), SNL＋microglia inhibitor minocycline (SNL＋minocycline), SNL＋small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting CB2R (SNL＋siRNA), and SNL＋siRNA＋minocycline groups. A neuropathic pain mouse model was established by SNL. The expression levels of spinal CB2R and microglia-specific protein ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (IBA-1) were determined by Western blotting, mechanical pain thresholds were measured by Von Frey, spinal microglia activation was observed by IBA-1 immunofluorescence, and the expression levels of inflammatory factors in spinal cord dialysate were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Electrophysiology was applied to observe the effect of CB2R agonist on spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic current (sIPSC) in the spinal dorsal horn. Results Compared with the sham group, the expression of CB2R in spinal cord was significantly decreased in the SNL group (P＜0.012 5), the pain threshold was significantly reduced (P＜0.016 7), the fluorescence quantification and protein expression of IBA-1 were significantly increased (both P＜0.008 3), and the mRNA expression levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 were significantly increased (all P＜0.008 3). After intrathecal injection of CB2R agonist AM1241 or microglial inhibitor minocycline, compared with the SNL group, the pain thresholds of mice were significantly increased in the SNL＋AM1241 and SNL＋minocycline groups (both P＜0.008 3), the fluorescence quantification and protein expression of IBA-1 were significantly decreased (both P＜0.008 3), and the mRNA expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were significantly decreased (all P＜0.008 3). After targeted interfering CB2R expression by siRNA, compared with the SNL group, the pain threshold was significantly decreased in the SNL＋siRNA group (P＜0.008 3), the fluorescence quantification and protein expression of IBA-1 were significantly increased (both P＜0.008 3), and the mRNA expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were significantly increased (all P＜0.008 3); while intrathecal injection of minocycline significantly reversed the above changes (all P＜0.008 3). Intervention in vitro of AM1241 could significantly enhance the frequency and amplitude of sIPSC in the spinal dorsal horn (both P＜0.05), while continuous treatment with minocycline inhibited the enhancement effects of AM1241 on sIPSC. Conclusion CB2R can reduce the neuroinflammatory responses and enhance the inhibitory electrical activity in the spinal cord by inhibiting spinal microglia activation, thereby alleviating hyperalgesia of neuropathic pain in mice.

CNR1 genetic variation influences the clinical outcomes of early stage type 2 diabetes mellitus treated with liraglutide / 中国临床药理学与治疗学

AIM: Recent studies have shown that the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CNR1) gene played an important role in diabetes and its complications development. And liraglutide was of positive therapeutic significance in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study was to investigate the influence of CNR1 genetic variation on the clinical outcomes of early stage type 2 diabetes mellitus treated with liraglutide. METHODS: From March 2016 to December 2018, a total of 230 patients with early stage type 2 diabetes mellitus were included as the research object in this study. The patients were treated with liraglutide, and the clinical outcomes were evaluated 16 weeks later. Additionally, peripheral blood and part of the patients with fresh peripheral blood specimens of the patients were collected for the genotyping of the genetic variation and CNR1 gene mRNA expression, respectively. The correlation between genetic polymorphism and other baseline characteristics was analyzed by chi square test and non-parametric test. The mRNA expression of CNR1 in different genotypes was analyzed by non-parametric test. RESULTS:All of the 230 diabetes mellitus patients were of available for efficacy evaluation. BMI, FPG, 2H PG and HbA1c of all patients decreased significantly after 16 weeks of treatment, and the difference was statistically significant compared with that before treatment (P<0.05). In terms of the CNR1 gene polymorphism analysis, only rs1049353 was found to be of clinical significance. The prevalence of rs1049353 among the 230 patients were as follows: GG genotype 188 cases (81.74%), GA genotype 39 cases (16.96%), AA genotype 3 cases (1.30%), the minor allele frequency is 0.10, The distribution of three genotypes were in accordance with Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium (P=0.551). GA genotype and AA genotype patients were merged in the following analysis. The clinical outcomes analysis indicated that BMI index of GA/AA genotype patients decreased (3.4±0.9) kg/m2 on average, FPG index decreased (5.1±0.9) mmol/l on average, HbA1c decreased (2.7±0.5)%. And the BMI index of GG genotype patients decreased (3.0±1.5) kg/m2 on average, FPG index decreased (4.7±1.3) mmol/l on average, HbA1c decreased (2.6±0.5)%, respectively. There were statistically significant differences between the two genotypes. Additionally, of the 125 available specimens for CNR1 gene mRNA analysis, the results showed that the mRNA expression of CNR1 in the patients with GG genotypes were significantly higher than those of the GA/AA genotype patients[(4.2±1.3) vs. (2.8±1.2), P<0.001)]. In terms of adverse reactions, the incidence of adverse reactions during treatment was relatively low, and gradually disappeared after drug withdrawal, and there was no significant correlation with CNR1 gene rs1049353 polymorphism. CONCLUSION:It is safe and effective in early stage type 2 diabetes patients received liraglutide treatment. And the clinical outcomes of the patients received liraglutide treatment may be influenced by CNR1 rs1049353 through mediating the mRNA expression of CNR1.

Hippocampal astrocytes in juvenile rats with persistent epilepsy: The role of cannabinoid receptor type 2 in regulating MAPK pathway / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Astrocyte proliferation is an important morphological change in epilepsy. Proliferated glial cells can produce cytokines, and in turn activates JAK/STAT signal transduction to promote glial cell proliferation, which affects the occurrence and recurrence of epilepsy. Astrocytes and signal transduction pathways interact with each other to play a role in the pathogenesis of epilepsy. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2R) on the activation of ERK, p38, and JNK proteins in astrocytes and MAPK pathways in juvenile rats with persistent epilepsy. METHODS: Forty healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats (18-21 days old) were randomly divided into four groups: normal control group, epilepsy model group, CB2R agonist JWH133 group, CB2R antagonist AM630 group. The normal control group was given only normal saline. In the other groups, rats were intraperitoneally injected with lithium chloride and pilocarpine to establish epilepsy models, and different interventions were performed. Twenty-four hours after the onset of epilepsy, brain tissues were taken. Co-expression of GFAP and p-ERK, p-p38, and p-JNK in hippocampal tissue was detected by immunofluorescence. Real-time PCR was used to detect the expression of GFAP mRNA in hippocampal tissue. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The co-expression of GFAP/p-ERK and GFAP/p-p38 was significantly higher in the epilepsy model group than the normal control group (P < 0.05), significantly lower in the JWH133 group than the epilepsy model group (P < 0.05), and significantly higher in the AM630 group than the JWH133 group (P < 0.05). The co-expression of GFAP/p-JNK was significantly lower in the epilepsy model group than in normal control group (P < 0.05), significantly higher in the JWH133 group than the epilepsy model group (P < 0.05), and significantly lower in the AM630 group than the JWH133 group (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression of GFAP was significantly decreased in the epilepsy model group compared with the normal control group (P < 0.05), significantly increased in the JWH133 group compared with the epilepsy model group (P < 0.05), and significantly reduced in the AM630 group compared with the JWH133 group (P < 0.05). Therefore, CB2R can regulate the expression of ERK, p38, JNK proteins in the MAPK pathway, thereby affecting astrocytes in the hippocampus of juvenile rats with persistent epilepsy.

Cannabinoid receptor-1 antagonism: a new perspective on treating a murine schistosomal liver fibrosis model

BACKGROUND Formation of schistosomal granulomata surrounding the ova can result in schistosomiasis-associated liver fibrosis (SSLF). The current standard of treatment is praziquantel (PZQ), which cannot effectively reverse SSLF. The role of the cannabinoid (CB) receptor family in liver fibrosis has recently been highlighted. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to assess the therapeutic effect of CB1 receptor antagonism in reversing SSLF in a murine model of Schistosoma mansoni infection. METHODS One hundred male Swiss albino mice were divided equally into five groups: healthy uninfected control (group I), infected control (group II), PZQ treated (group III), rimonabant (RIM) (SR141716, a CB1 receptor antagonist)-treated (group IV) and group V was treated with combined PZQ and RIM. Liver sections were obtained for histopathological examination, alpha-1 smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) immunostaining and assessment of CB1 receptor expression using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). FINDINGS The most effective reduction in fibrotic marker levels and granuloma load was achieved by combined treatment with PZQ+RIM (group V): CB1 receptor expression (H = 26.612, p < 0.001), number of α-SMA-positive cells (F = 57.086, p < 0.001), % hepatic portal fibrosis (F = 42.849, p < 0.001) and number of granulomata (F = 69.088, p < 0.001). MAIN CONCLUSIONS Combining PZQ with CB1 receptor antagonists yielded the best results in reversing SSLF. To our knowledge, this is the first study to test this regimen in S. mansoni infection.

Progress in research on the role of cannabinoid receptor signaling pathway in Huntington's disease / 中华神经科杂志

Huntington's disease (HD),a single-gene autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease,is pathologically characterized by the great loss of striatal neurons in the brain.Clinical manifestations of HD show involuntary dance-like movements,cognitive function and neuropsychiatric symptoms.The pathogenesis of HD is concerned with the protein expression of mutant huntingtin which leads to the selective degeneration of medium spiny neurons in the striatum and the onset of the disease.Cannabinoid receptor (CBR) plays a key role in the release of neurotransmitters,synaptic plasticity,gene expression and modulation of.neuronal activity through the CBR1 and CBR2 signaling pathways.Recent studies have found that CBR-mediated phosphoinositide3-kinases/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin complex1/brain derived neurotrophic factor,neuropeptide Y/neuronal nitric oxide synthase signaling pathway play a vital role in the regulation.of striatal neuroprotection in HD.This review reveals the research progress of CBR1 related signaling pathways in HD,which provides new theoretical basis and drug targets for the prevention and treatment of HD.

Effect of cannabinoid receptor type 2 on the expression of autophagy-related proteins LC3 and Beclin-1 in the hippocampal CA1 region of rats with status epilepticus / 中国小儿急救医学

Objective To explore effect of cannabinoid receptor type 2(CB2R)on the expression of autophagy-related proteins LC3 and Beclin-1 in the hippocampal CA1 region of rats with status epilepticus ( SE). Methods SE model was established by treating lithium chloride-pilocarpine intraperitoneally injection in Sprague-Dawley(SD) rats. All the rats were randomly divided into four groups including Control group, Epilepsy group,Epilepsy + JWH-133 group and Epilepsy + AM630 group. JWH-133, AM630, and DMSO were injected 60 min before pilocarpine injection by intracerebroventricular injection ( Control group and Epilepsy group with DMSO,Epilepsy+JWH-133 group with JWH-133 and Epilepsy+AM630 group with AM630). At 24 h after SE,the epileptic symptoms were observed. HE staining was performed to observe the number changes of neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region. The spatiotemporal expressions of LC3 and Beclin-1 in the hippocampal CA1 region were observed using Double-label immunofluorescence and Western blot. Results Epileptic symptoms showed that rats in the control group had no obvious epileptic seizures. Those in Epilepsy group presented seizures about (13. 50 ± 0. 61)min after treated with pilocarpine and racine scale was (4. 33 ± 0. 47) scores. The latency period in Epilepsy+JWH-133 group was(19. 33 ± 0. 42) min and longer than that in the Epilepsy group(P<0. 05);Racine scale in Epilepsy+JWH-133 group was 3. 33 ± 0. 59 and less than the Epilepsy group( P<0. 05). The opposite effect was observed in Epilepsy+AM630 group. HE staining showed that compared with the Epilepsy group,the number of the hippocampal CA1 neu-rons increased in Epilepsy+JWH-133 group and decreased in Epilepsy+AM630 group. Immunofluorescence and Western blot showed that LC3 and Beclin-1 were mainly expressed in neurons,and the expression of LC3 and Beclin-1 in Epilepsy group were up-regulated dynamically than that in the control group at 24 h after SE (P<0. 05). Furthermore compared with the Epilepsy group,the expression of LC3 and Beclin-1 in Epilepsy+JWH-133 group were higher but lowered in Epilepsy+AM630 group. Conclusion We demonstrate that CB2R may play a role in autophagy of the hippocampal neurons at the early stage of pilocarpine-induced SE and hinted CB2R may become a treatment target for epilepsy.

Role of activated cannabinoid receptor 2 in lipopolysaccharide-induced secretion of RAW264.7 macrophage inflammatory cytokines and its possible mechanism / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective To investigate the role of activated cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2R) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced secretion of RAW264.7 macrophage inflammatory cytokines and its possible mechanism. Methods Macrophages were seeded in 6-well plates (2 mL/well) at the density of 1×105 cells/mL and randomly divided into four groups (n=6 each group): control group (group C), LPS group (group LPS), LPS plus CB2R agonist HU308 group (group LPS+HU308), and LPS plus HU308 plus 3-Methyladenine group (group LPS+HU308+3-MA). LPS with the final concentration of 1 μg/mL were added in group LPS, group LPS+HU308 and group LPS+HU308+3-MA. After incubation for 15 min, 3-MA with a final concentration of 10 mmol/L was added into group LPS+HU308+3-MA . HU308 with the final concentration of 10 μmol/L was added in group LPS+HU308 and group LPS+HU308+3-MA at 15 min after 3-MA intervention, and the cells were then incubated for 24 h. The concentrations of TNF-α, IL-18 and IL-1β in supernatant serum of each group were determined by ELISA. The expressions of ICAM-1 and NLRP3 mRNA were detected by RT-PCR. The expressions of LC3 and Beclin1 were detected by Western blot, and the ratio of LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ was calculated. LSD-t test was used for sample pairwise comparison, and one way ANOVA for inter-group comparison. A P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Compared with group C, the concentrations of TNF-α [(228.86±10.20) pg/mL vs (140.05±5.54) pg/mL], IL-1β [(363.62±8.14) pg/mL vs (244.82±9.11) pg/mL], and IL-18 [(293.28±13.57) pg/mL vs (202.84±9.54) pg/mL] in supernatant serum were increased (all P<0.05), the expressions of ICAM-1 [(5.88±0.32) vs (1.00±0.03)] and NLRP3 [(8.07±0.93) vs (1.01±0.05)] mRNA were increased (all P<0.05), the expressions of LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ ratio [(0.50±0.03) vs (0.40±0.06)] and Beclin1 [(0.51±0.04) vs (0.16±0.03)] were up-regulated in group LPS (all P<0.05). Compared with group LPS, the concentrations of TNF-α [(165.44±7.07) pg/mL], IL-1β [(272.09±3.35) pg/mL] and IL-18 [(220.41±6.01) pg/mL] in supernatant serum were significantly decreased (all P<0.05), the expressions of ICAM-1 [(3.21±0.35)] and NLRP3 [(1.54±0.30)] mRNA were decreased (all P<0.05), the expressions of LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ ratio [(0.71±0.03)] and Beclin1 [(0.71±0.02)] were up-regulated in group LPS+HU308 (all P<0.05). Compared with group LPS+HU308, the concentrations of TNF-α [(197.06±5.59) pg/mL], IL-1β [(318.98±11.54) pg/mL] and IL-18 [(243.33±8.71) pg/mL] in supernatant serum were significantly increased (all P<0.05), the expressions of ICAM-1 [(4.04±0.21)] and NLRP3 [(5.87±0.77)] mRNA were increased (all P<0.05), the expressions of LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ ratio [(0.44±0.08)] and Beclin1 [(0.32±0.03)] were down-regulated in group LPS+HU308+3-MA (all P<0.05). Conclusions Activation of cannabinoid receptor 2 can alleviate LPS-induced the secretion of RAW264.7 macrophage inflammatory cytokines, and its mechanism may be related to enhanced autophagy.

The correlation between CB2R and autophagy-related protein LC3 expression in the hippocampal CA1 re-gion of the model with status epilepticus / 国际儿科学杂志

Objective The expression and correlation between cannabinoid receptor type 2 ( CB2R) and autophagy-related protein microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) in the hippocampal CA1 re-gion of developing rats with status epilepticus ( SE) were investigated. Methods SE model was established u-sing lithium chloride-pilocarpine intraperitoneally in Sprague-Dawley ( SD) rats and all the rats were randomly divided into four groups ( control group and 3h, 24h, 3d groups after SE). The expressions of CB2R and LC3 in the hippocampal CA1 region at different times were observed using double-label immunofluorescence and Western blotting. Spearman correlational analysis was used to compare the relationship between the two factors. Results Immunofluorescence showed that the expression of CB2R was up-regulated dynamically and peaked at 24h and presented parabolic changes over time. The expression of LC3 changed in accordance with CB2R and e-ven co-expressed with CB2R partly, especially on neurons. Western blotting results furtherly showed the simi-larity of the expression of CB2R and LC3, and finally Spearman correlational analysis presented the significant correlation between these two factors (r=0. 7161, P<0. 05). Conclusion Significant correlation exists be-tween the expression of CB2R and LC3 in the hippocampal CA1 neurons of developing rats with SE, indicating the essential role of CB2R in autophagy regulation of hippocampal CA1 neurons.

Endocannabinoid receptor type 2 in central nervous system disorders / 国际儿科学杂志

The endocannabinoid system is composed of endocannabinoids,enzymes for the biosynthesis and degradation of endocannabinoids,and specific cannabinoid receptors (cannabinoid receptor type 1,CB1R;cannabinoid receptor type 2,CB2R).The previous view is that CB1Rs are mainly expressed in the central neurons,whereas CB2Rs are predominantly expressed in peripheral immune cells.However,there is emerging strong evidence that CB2Rs are moderately expressed and function in specific brain areas.CB2Rs in the central nervous system (CNS) takes part in occurrence and progression of Alzheimer's disease,traumatic brain injury,intracranial hemorrhage and epilepsy.This review summarizes the CB2Rs and the effect in central nervous system disorders.

The discovery of synergistic anti-tumor effect of the cannabinoid receptor agonists in combination with WIN55212-2 and exemestane / 国际药学研究杂志

Objective To discover antitumor drugs showing a synergistic effect with the cannabinoid receptor agonist sildenafil mesylate (WIN55212-2), so as to provide a new strategy for potential drug combinations for improving the life quality of cancer patients. Methods Firstly, the antitumor activity was tested for the combination of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) receptor agonist WIN55212-2 with each of 25 antitumor drugs using three tumor cell lines with high CB1R, HepG2, DU145 and HCT-8, by highthroughput assay. Then, the in vitro tumor colony-forming assay and 3D tumor spheroid assay were conducted to confirm the synergistic effect for the effective drug combination. Flow cytometry was used to investigate the effect of the synergistic drug combination on the apoptosis and cell cycle progression. Results Three drugs showed a synergistic inhibitory effect on the proliferation of tested tumor cells by combining with WIN55212-2, and among them, the combination of exemestane with WIN55212-2 displayed best effect, which showed a dose-dependent synergistic antitumor effect in the in vitro tumor colony-forming test and 3D tumor spheroid assay (CI＜1).Compared with the single-exemestane treatment, the combination of exemestane with WIN55212-2 significantly increased the apoptosis of HepG2 cells (P＜0.01) and caused G2/M phase arrest of the HepG2 cells. Conclusion The study is the first to report that the combination of exemestane with WIN55212-2 showed a synergistic anti-tumor activity on HepG2 cells, which was likely related to the promotion of apoptosis and induction of cell cycle arrest.

An integrative overview of the cannabinergic system and mental health / Una revisión exhaustiva del sistema cannabinérgico y la salud mental

Abstract Background The endocannabinoid system (eCBs) is one of the modulatory systems widely expressed in the brain. It consists of receptors expressed in the cytoplasmic (CB1 and CB2), the mitochondrial membrane (CB1), and the endogenous ligands known as endocannabinoids, such as anandamide, 2AG and oleamide. CB1 has been found in excitatory and inhibitory neurons in the pre- and post-synaptic membranes. It is expressed in several brain areas such as the hippocampus, dorsal, and ventral striatum, amygdala and prefrontal cortex. The eCBs has been involved in the regulation of learning and memory, mood, energy balance, sleep, and drug addiction. Objective Integrate existing information about the eCBs and its role in brain function and mental health. Method Review of the information of basic and clinical relevance obtained from indexed scientific journals (PubMed/Medline, Scopus). Results Basic and clinical research on eCBs related to central nervous system function is described. Discussion and conclusion At present, the study of eCBs is of importance. The development of drugs that affect this system may be clinically useful to control different debilitating diseases. This is an area of interest to the scientific community and health care providers.

Resumen Antecedentes El sistema de endocannabinoides (eCBs) es uno de los sistemas moduladores más ampliamente expresados en el cerebro. Se compone de receptores expresados en la membrana citoplasmática (CB1 y CB2) y en la membrana mitocondrial (CB1) y ligandos endógenos conocidos como endocannabinoides, como anandamida, 2AG y oleamida. El CB1 se ha encontrado en neuronas excitadoras e inhibidoras, en las membranas pre- y pos-sináptica, en varias áreas cerebrales como el hipocampo, el estriado dorsal y ventral, y en la amígdala y la corteza prefrontal. El eCBs se ha relacionado con la regulación del aprendizaje y la memoria, del estado afectivo, del equilibrio energético, del sueño y del proceso de la adicción a las drogas. Objetivo Integrar la información existente sobre el eCBs y su función sobre los procesos cerebrales y la salud mental. Método Revisión de la información de relevancia básica y clínica obtenida de revistas científicas indexadas (PubMed/Medline, Scopus). Resultados Se describe de manera concisa información de interés básico y clínico de la investigación sobre el eCBs relacionada con la función del sistema nervioso central. Discusión y conclusión En la actualidad, el estudio del eCBs es indispensable debido a su potencial terapéutico. El desarrollo de fármacos que afecten este sistema puede ser clínicamente útil para controlar diferentes enfermedades debilitantes. Ésta es un área de interés para la comunidad científica y los proveedores de salud.